Global Climate News

Paptic, a company focused on sustainable packaging, has developed a recyclable and reusable material made from renewable wood fibers as an alternative to plastic packaging for hygiene products. This addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the hygiene sector and aligns with the European Union’s circular economy goals. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration clarified that hotels must provide liquid toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion) in containers of 180ml or larger, and that other personal hygiene items (combs, toothbrushes, etc.) may not be displayed but can be provided upon request.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Discovery Channel launched a five-part video series, "Good To Know," showcasing how nuclear science addresses global challenges like microplastics, cancer, food insecurity, water scarcity, and industrial contamination. The series airs in over 30 countries, reaching 44 million households.

Global bio-based polymer capacity is projected to grow 13% CAGR (2024-2029), driven by investments in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is creating demand for industrial compostable plastics. Companies like NatureWorks, Futerro, and Emirates Biotech are expanding PLA production capacities. The European Union’s Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) is creating demand for soil-biodegradable products.

German researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV have developed sustainable packaging from peatland plants. The project, supported by multiple German ministries, uses paludicultures (cultivated peatland plants) with low lignin content, reducing the need for chemicals in paper production. Processes achieved temperatures below 100°C, up to 45 percent lower than conventional methods. The resulting packaging is suitable for the non-food sector.

Paptic, a company developing sustainable packaging solutions, highlights the use of recyclable wood-fibre based materials in feminine hygiene products. The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) emphasizes the importance of designing recyclable packaging and aims to increase recycling rates of fibre-based packaging to 90% by 2030 through the 4evergreen alliance. Paptic's material combines paper, plastic, and textile benefits, reducing plastic waste and supporting a circular economy.

Finnish company Paptic offers a sustainable, fiber-based alternative to plastic packaging for menstrual pads, aligning with CEPI's promotion of renewable resources and improved packaging recyclability. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles, offering a soft, recyclable, and durable solution.

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has announced €165 million in funding opportunities for 2025, advancing circular bio-based industries in Europe across 13 topics. The funding comes from Horizon Europe and will be complemented by private investments. The call for proposals will open on April 4, 2025, and close on September 17, 2025.

Finland-based Kåska Drinks, a low-alcohol spirits company, focuses on eco-friendly practices such as using less glass in bottles, biodegradable packaging, and concentrated spirits to reduce transportation needs. They also support social causes, allocating 15% of their initial product's sales margin to organizations combating loneliness and social isolation. The company plans to expand B2B and event sales and build a production facility and experience center.

Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad updated the sector and sub-sector classification for three companies: ENRA GROUP BERHAD (energy), OASIS HARVEST CORPORATION BERHAD (consumer products & services), and VERSATILE CREATIVE BERHAD (consumer products & services). The changes, effective January 13, 2025, reflect changes in the companies’ business activities and their core business contributions to financial results.

Saudi Arabia increased diesel prices by 44.3% to 1.66 riyals ($0.44) per liter, effective January 1, 2025. This is the second price increase by Saudi Aramco in less than two years.

\"Bulgarian startup LAM’ON, supported by Eleven Ventures, has developed bio-based and compostable thermal laminating films. These films aim to replace traditional laminating films, reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The global biodegradable plastics market is valued at USD 7.9 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 20.9 billion by 2028.\"

The European Bioplastics Conference (EBC24) concluded successfully, with around 350 attendees. Positive changes in the European bioplastics industry were highlighted, including new regulations mandating compostable packaging and boosting biodegradable agricultural applications. The conference showcased advancements in bioplastics, assessed their environmental impacts, and provided an overview of the global industry landscape.

Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with Baumer hhs GmbH, PTS – Institute for Fibers & Paper gGmbH, and Fraunhofer Institute for Coating and Surface Technology IST, developed bio-based adhesives for industrial applications. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) through the Agency for Renewable Resources e.V. (FNR), these adhesives replace synthetic polymers in folding box production, offering a more sustainable packaging solution. The project successfully tested the bio-based adhesives on high-speed machines, demonstrating high initial adhesion and stability.

German researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, in collaboration with industrial and academic partners, have developed bio-based adhesives for the industrial production of folding cartons. These adhesives, made from renewable resources like modified starch, aim to replace synthetic polymer-based adhesives, thus contributing to more sustainable packaging. Successful high-speed machine tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of these bio-based alternatives.

German researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV have developed a sustainable packaging solution using peatland plants. The project, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and other ministries, aims to create bio-based packaging for the non-food sector, reducing reliance on wood and minimizing carbon emissions.

Taiwan has implemented new regulations effective January 1, 2025, including a 4.08% minimum wage increase to NT$28,590 (US$870.33), expanded free cancer screenings, and stricter environmental rules for hotels, prohibiting free single-use toiletries under 180ml. The new rules also aim to curb noise pollution from modified motorcycles.

The UK government, through the Department for Business and Trade, Environment Agency, and Office for Product Safety and Standards, has updated its producer responsibility regulations covering packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and end-of-life vehicles. These regulations aim to minimize waste, promote reuse and recycling, and improve the environmental impact of product lifecycles. The updates include new guidance on extended producer responsibility for packaging and updated guidance for WEEE, batteries, and ELVs.

The UK government has updated its guidance on packaging waste accreditation for reprocessors and exporters. The updated guidance details application processes, fees (£505 for small operators, £2,616 for large operators), and compliance requirements, including record-keeping and reporting. Changes to targets for 2021 and 2022 compliance years are also noted, with a focus on recycling obligations.

The UK government has implemented extended producer responsibility for packaging, requiring packaging producers to join a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS). The process involves applying for PCS approval from the relevant environmental regulator (Environment Agency for England, Natural Resources Wales for Wales, etc.), meeting specific conditions for approval and registration, and paying application fees (£8,174 for approval and £13,804 for registration). Non-compliance results in penalties, including fines and potential prosecution.